A Positive Spin

Nowadays, we are flooded with articles, books, blogs, tweets and Facebook posts about “staying positive.” Most people seek easy solutions, but unfortunately you have to work to obtain positive outcomes.

Nowadays, we are flooded with articles, books, blogs, tweets and Facebook posts about “staying positive.” Most people seek easy solutions, but unfortunately you have to work to obtain positive outcomes. Good things rarely happen accidentally. Instead, they come our way when we are proactive in the way we live our lives. Make a choice to take deliberate action, avoiding the chaos of reacting.

9 Choices to Develop Lasting Positivity

1. Live mindfully.

Mindful living is the skill of staying present in the moment non-judgmentally, without being re-routed into ruminating about the future or getting stuck in the past.

2. Develop a sense of purpose.

Engage in passionate pursuits in all areas of your life, whether personal, spiritual, social, familial, academic or vocational. Get creative, volunteer, take up a new hobby. Sometimes in the reality of our lives, we actually forget to live.

3. Grow gratitude.

Gratitude is wonder and appreciation for life; it’s being grateful for our blessings. It goes beyond a mere ‘thank you’. It leads to happier, meaningful experiences. Recognize what you have and be appreciative.

4. Avoid the Debbie Downers.

Debbie Downers and Negative Nicks are great at pointing out the wretchedness and injustices of life. But you can change the tone by suggesting enjoyable topics and keeping a positive mindset. Stick with the upbeat folks.

5. Take care of your physical self.

When we are ill, hungry, fatigued or lacking exercise, we are prone to viewing our world in a negative light. It’s important to tend to your health. Eat well, sleep enough, and take care of ailments and incorporate exercise into your routine.

6. Smile.

Smiling has many benefits. It releases endorphins and inflates your lungs. It’s infectious and attractive. But what if you just can’t muster one up? Then half-smile. It will still reach your hypothalamus and spark a peaceful sensation.

7. Get outside.

The benefits to getting outside during work and at home are numerous. You’ll feel more ‘Zen’, experience contentment, improve your health and heighten your brain activity.

8. Decrease worries.

Healthy worry helps you to problem solve through life’s difficulties. Excessive worry can lead to a variety of psychosocial and physical conditions. Ask yourself "will this matter in five years from now?”

9. Check in with your thoughts.

Distorted thinking is our mind persuading us of something that is inaccurate. By checking in, you might notice that you are making mountains out of molehills, fortune-telling (predicting), mindreading (assuming what people think) or filtering (seeing negatives and not positives). Be aware that such thoughts can be erroneous and harmful. Reduce them and generate more accurate ones.